At Mercedes-Benz we understand what it means to be truly immersed in the world of automotive innovation. And that’s why we’ve designated an entire section of our website to that all-important question – what’s coming next?
Whether it’s the sharp suited Concept A-CLASS with athletic contours and aviation-inspired engineering or the seriously sporty and seriously light new SL-Class – there’s something groundbreaking about every Mercedes-Benz Future Car.
So if you can’t wait to find out what’s around the corner, don’t worry, our Future Cars section will satisfy your cravings. For an extra fix, you can also download e-brochures and sign up for all the latest updates.
Kicking off 2012 with a selection of tunes from ten of the world’s best new musical talents, we’re proud to announce our latest edition of the Mixed Tape series – Silver Vibrations.
This brand new compilation encompasses an eclectic mix of both European and American influences. Fusing soulful sounds with hip-hop, electro-pop, fragile vocals and indie rock – this vibrant collection is buzzing with new vibes.
And not forgetting the amazing cover art by Brooklyn-based artist Benjamin Edmiston which, when paired with Silver Vibrations, makes for a truly mind-bending mix.
Check out our Mixed Tape blog or Facebook Page for up-to-date music news and the full list of featured artists. Available online for eight weeks only, download your ten free tracks here.
In November last year we launched Escape the Map – an interactive marketing campaign offering participants the chance to win a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé. On the back of an overwhelmingly positive response we’ve decided to take you behind the scenes and reveal what went into the making of Escape the Map.
Constructed with 3-D image-based modelling software called Photogrammetry, the virtual world of Escape the Map was entirely computer generated apart from the car interior and the actors themselves.
Photographs of Hong Kong were combined with live action and a range of special effects to mimic the experience of navigating through online maps, while specialist lighting evoked a sense of dystopia. Coupled with a compelling soundtrack and cutting-edge production levels, the campaign received over 720,000 visits to the escapethemap.com site from 11th Nov – 11th Dec.
Cleverly integrating print, online and broadcast media, Escape the Map represented more than just a bold brand-sharpener – it communicated a whole new side to Mercedes-Benz.
Go behind the scenes of Escape the Map:
And as a special reward, below are some pictures from behind the scenes at our latest shoot:
As a driving force for automotive progress, Mercedes-Benz are proud of our pioneering approach to cleaner, more efficient motoring and an integral part of that approach is BlueEFFICIENCY.
Incorporating lower-displacement engines, ECO start/stop functions and improved aerodynamics, BlueEFFICIENCY models are energy efficient and fully optimised for lowering emissions. Coupled with less rolling resistance and weight saving measures such as reduced windscreen thickness, and lighter alloy wheels – BlueEFFICIENCY technology cuts running costs without compromising on performance.
With some of our most popular models already converted to BlueEFFICIENCY, we’re not only paving the way for cleaner motoring across the entire range, but also taking steps towards our ultimate goal of emission-free driving.
To find out how much you could save, use our BlueEFFICIENCY comparison tool. Simply select your model and make a comparison with either its direct competitor or with another Mercedes-Benz in the range. Options allow you to compare costs, performance and the environmental impact of each model, helping you calculate savings both to yourself and to the environment.
For a glimpse into the future of the automobile, watch this fantastic YouTube video featuring the Mercedes-Benz F 125! research vehicle. Introducing a vision of emission-free driving to the luxury segment – this prototype is the ultimate innovation.
Constructed from a unique mix of carbon fibres, aluminium and high-strength steel, the body utilises a hybrid lightweight design which reduces weight and considerably improves safety. With elongated gullwing doors that extend along both rows of seats, the sculpted exterior blends seamlessly with the interior, creating a single, shared impression.
With futuristic technological developments, including a revolutionary Fuel Cell Plug-in system capable of storing hydrogen fuel, the F 125! has already shown that it is suitable for day-to-day use, with a current range of up to 1000 km on electricity alone, and an impressive output of 313 hp.
Coupled with an advanced Telematics system that matches 3D displays to our natural visual perception, the F 125! also reacts to touch, gesture and voice commands – transforming it into your perfect conversation partner. What a great future!
Our journey through the colour spectrum continues. Cherry Chimes is the latest Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape to feature ten fabulous tracks by some of the world’s most talented new musical artists. What’s more, you can download it for free.
Available online for eight weeks only, this exclusive mp3 compilation showcases an eclectic mix of genres. With tunes ranging from folk rap and rock ballad to gypsy jazz and Balkan beats, there’s something to get every hand tapping on the wheel.
Each Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape also comes with a specially commissioned cover designed by a select newcomer from either illustration, fine arts, graphic design, photography or installation. So not only do you get superb sounds to listen to – but a dose of visual genius to boot!
Visit our Mixed Tape blog or Facebook Page for up-to-date music news and the full lowdown on Cherry Chimes, including a complete list of all the featured artists. Download your free edition here.
In an age dominated by social networking and instant messaging, modern communication has become an ever-changing enigma. Our response? A boundary-breaking marketing campaign designed to engage audiences on multiple platforms.
Directed by the award-winning Carl Erik Rinsch, Escape the Map takes us into the virtual world behind the wheel of a C 63 AMG Coupé for a totally immersive experience. Featuring a soundtrack by renowned musician Atticus Ross, this stunning film boasts cutting-edge technology and high production levels – hallmarks at the heart of Mercedes-Benz.
Launched on the 12 November with a 30-second prime time TV advert, the campaign cleverly blends print, online and broadcast media. As well as a YouTube homepage Takeover and nationwide advertising on buses, we created a cover wrap in Metro Newspaper with Blippar™, a new universal augmented reality app that uses a smartphone’s ‘magic’ lens to bring you instantaneous brand-specific info by just hovering over the image. Point the Blippar™ app at the posters, advertising and even our YouTube homepage to see a special message from Marie.
David George, Marketing Director of Mercedes-Benz UK, described Escape the Map as a bold brand-sharpener, saying: “It presents Mercedes-Benz as a vibrant, fresh, aspirational premium brand – and shows people a new side to one of the most prestigious companies in the world.”
Can you imagine what it would feel like to take a G-Class down a ski jump? To find out, visit our new G-Class Facebook page and experience the G-Jump game for yourself.
Customise your Mercedes-Benz G-Class with a choice of colour, engine and alloys, then wait for the perfect wind speed and take the plunge. Head down a massive ski hill as fast as possible and boost your ‘G’ at just the right moment for the full effect. Fly through the air and land on the slopes below – you’ll find out just how much G-force went into your jump with a results scorecard at the end.
If you’re particularly proud of your performance, post a snapshot of the experience on your wall and share it with friends.
So the race is on – push your ‘G’ to the max and see who makes it the furthest.
Would you like to win a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé?
If so, you need to help Marie escape the map. Destined to a life of solitude within the confines of Streetview, Marie needs your help to escape. It’s a strange world inside Streetview, and its effects on the human mind can be surprising; a place where life is anything but ordinary – a world full of glitches and digital vortexes.
She’s already found some Mercedes-Benz USB keys to give away in exchange for assistance but she still needs your help. Time’s running out. Visit escapethemap.com for your chance to win a C-Class Coupé.
Help Marie on Twitter via @girlinmap and the hashtag #escapethemap
Watch the TV advert this weekend and more:
X Factor Saturday 12 November ITV
FA Cup Sunday 13 November ITV
Spy Sunday 13 November Sky 1
Grand Slam of Darts Sunday 13 November Sky Sports 1
ATP Masters Sunday 13 November Sky Sports 3
European Tour Golf Sunday 13 November Sky Sports 3
Heineken Cup Sunday 13 November Sky Sports 3
Greys Anatomy Sunday 13 November Sky Living
Competition live from 11.11.11 to 11.12.11. Entrants must be 21 years or over. UK residents only. Driving licence and proof of insurance of winning car required to claim the car. Model featured in advert is a C 63 AMG Coupé. Prize to be won is a C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé.
Tell us what you think on Twitter via @MercedesBenzUK.
With so many technological developments in the automotive industry, we felt the need to dig a little deeper. Our ‘Technology Explained’ posts will be uncovering the latest innovations and explaining how they work. This week… Magic Sky Control.
What is it?
At the click of a button Magic Sky Control can turn your panoramic roof from near translucence into a much darker glass – and back again. The main purpose of is to overcome one of the principle problems linked with other clear top vehicles: the overheating of the car’s interior when left in direct sunlight. With Magic Sky Control’s technology a vehicle’s internal temperature can be kept up to 10 degrees cooler than the interior of the same vehicle with a standard sunroof installed.
So how does it work?
Magic Sky Control uses an electric current to change the position of tiny particles suspended in a thin film inside the car’s roof. When translucent, the particles within the glass are arranged so that light can pass through the panel and into the car, but when Magic Sky Control has been activated the particles adopt random positions that block the passage of light.
Magic Sky Control has a positive impact even when the car is stationary – its implementation prevents the car from overheating. Darkening the roof whilst the vehicle is in motion also reduces the load on the air conditioning system and CO2 emissions.
This innovative new technology allows you to control the sunlight in your SLK, but even we can’t make the sun come out on demand.
